West Nile virus found in N.H. mosquitoes for first time this year

Friday

Aug 2, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Dylan Morrilldmorrill@fosters.com

DOVER — Two batches of mosquitoes taken from Pelham provide the first positive test for West Nile Virus in New Hampshire on Wednesday.

“These are the first mosquito batches found to be positive so far this year and the first positive test results of the season,” said the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services in a press release. “The Public Health Lab has tested 1,115 mosquito batches, three animals, and 14 people so far this season.”

“While this is our first announcement of West Nile virus positives in New Hampshire this season, we have been hearing of positive test results from some of our neighboring states already so this is no surprise,” said Public Health Director for the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. José Montero. “Unfortunately it also means the threat has not abated so people need to make sure they take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes as we head into the high season for these two illnesses.”

According to Dr. Sam Telford, infectious disease expert and professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, the best way to prevent contraction of both West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis is the most obvious way: insect repellent with DEET.

“Hundreds of millions of doses of DEET have been applied since its invention in the 1950s,” said Telford. “My kids actually carry a can (of insect repellent) in their back packs off to day camp.”

According to Telford DEET should never be used on infants. Concentrations above 10-15 percent are not to be used on children. And concentrations above 30-35 percent are not to be used on adults.

“Were not saying you have to stay inside and lock your doors,” said Telford. “It’s like wearing a seat belt in a car.”

Telford also explained that wet hot weather does not always mean more mosquitoes.

“There are like 50 species of mosquitoes out there,” he said. “They are not all associated with wet, hot conditions.”

Besides using DEET, property owners would be wise to check any and all areas where standing water could collect according to Telford. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed.

The Department of Health and Human Services will continue to test batches of mosquitoes around the state until the mosquito season ends probably in October.

“We need a couple of good statewide hard frosts before we can say the mosquitoes are gone for the season,” said Chris Adamski, bureau chief at New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Until then, the best thing to do is to take precautions.

“We don’t want people to panic. We don’t want people to think they can’t enjoy the outdoors,” said Adamski. “Go out and do the hiking and enjoy the outdoors, but there are very sounds prevention measures you can take.”